BLM WITHHOLDING WATER?

http://www.blacklistednews.com/New_controversy_erupts_in_Nevada_as_BLM_now_trying_to_keep_Otero_County_ranchers%E2%80%99_cows_from_water/35192/0/38/38/Y/M.html

New controversy erupts in Nevada as BLM now trying to keep Otero County ranchers’ cows from water

May 13, 2014 Share It | Print This

Source: Poor Richard's Blog



The battle over Federal control of land didn’t end with Cliven Bundy.  That was just the beginning.  Now, other ranchers in Nevada are fighting back against the Bureau of Land Management, which is trying to keep their cattle from water in the middle of a drought. 
This time, the ranchers have some county officials on their side…
from Washington Times:
In what some are calling a replay of the standoff with Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, a New Mexico county board agreed Monday to instruct the sheriff to remove the Forest Service gates blocking thirsty cattle from reaching water, setting up a clash with federal agents over state water rights and endangered species.
The Otero County Commission voted 2-0, with one commissioner absent, to “immediately take steps to remove or open gates that are unlawfully denying citizens access to their private property rights.”
Ranchers became alarmed earlier this year when Forest Service officials refused to open gates allowing cattle in the drought-stricken region to reach a creek in the Lincoln National Forest. Local rangers have said that they are trying to protect the riparian area, which is considered habitat for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
The mouse is expected to be listed as an endangered species in June. The proposed listing, which would include as much as 193 miles of critical habitat in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, comes after a 251-species settlement with WildEarth Guardians in 2011.
Commissioner Ronny Rardin said Monday he was uncomfortable with taking action “against people that are my friends,” apparently referring to local Forest Service rangers, but that he had an obligation as an elected commissioner to uphold the Constitution.
“That Constitution is in breach right now and it is our duty, it’s our civil duty, if we want to keep our nation free, and keep our country as it was intended to be by our forefathers, to stand up and take this type of action,” said Mr. Rardin.